Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
St. John
St. John is unique, a rather overused word to be sure, but
apt in this case, for over two-thirds of this beautiful island
is part of a US National Park.
The Virgin Islands Na-
tional Park
, created in 1956 with just under 5,000 acres,
has expanded to over 8,000 land acres, plus thousands of off-
shore acres as well. While this has caused some resentment
on the part of entrepreneurs anxious to construct luxury ho-
tels along its stunning beaches, it has been a boon for visi-
tors like us. The park has permitted the island's
considerable natural beauty to remain undeveloped.
The sights on St. John are natural ones - coral beaches with
top-notch snorkeling in clear waters, acres and acres of for-
est suitable for hiking, and here and there silent ruins of
long ago plantations (some restored) that testify to the is-
land's history.
The Park Service has not merely maintained the status quo.
They have developed a wide ranging program to preserve
the island and to help visitors explore all aspects of St. John.
This includes the marked underwater snorkel trail at
Trunk Bay
, the guided hikes through
Reef Bay
, seashore
walks and cultural demonstrations at various points on the
island. Evening programs include slide presentations about
West Indian culture, marine life and history of the islands.
The National Park is just one of the special things about St.
John. Another is the people who live here. St. Johnians,
many transplanted from surrounding islands and from
mainland USA, are warm and welcoming. They exude pride
in their island, its tradition and its sense of neighborhood.
Much like an extended family, St. Johnians greet each other
warmly and seemingly know every island resident (there
are about 5,000). Cars often stop mid-street as neighbors
hold long conversations. Hitchhiking is a popular mode of
transportation for locals and visitors alike. Just point in the
